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Commentary

Whatever happened to heading off to college without all the answers?

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In this current zeitgeist, are students afraid of entering college admitting to any doubts about what they hope to do? Have we limited their options before they have even begun to find out what might be possible? Are the costs so high they feel bound to “get with the program”? Have we persuaded them that, even at 18, they should seek guarantees—my family and I will spend (x) and take on a debt of (y) in order that I graduate with a job paying (z)?

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Headshot of Jennifer Holladay

Podcast episode 33: Former DPS administrator Jennifer Holladay on the past, present and future of ed reform in Denver

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Jennifer Holladay was a senior Denver Public Schools administrator from 2013-21. She oversaw the district’s portfolio of schools program until leaving the district in 2021. As a new school board with a union-backed majority takes power next month, we thought Jen would be an ideal guest to discuss how the new board could affect portfolio or reform values like accountability, choice, school supports, autonomy,  and student-based budgeting.

Podcast episode 33: Former DPS administrator Jennifer Holladay on the past, present and future of ed reform in Denver Read More »

A graphic reading, "As the DPS Turns."

Podcast episode 32: The Youngquist censure, Marrero Chicago flirtation and other issues

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Podcast co-hosts Alexis Menocal Harrigan and Alan Gottlieb discuss recent, election developments, including the ludicrous censure of Denver Public Schools Board of Education member John Youngquist, Superintendent Alex Marrero’s flirtation with Chicago Public Schools, and other current topics.

Podcast episode 32: The Youngquist censure, Marrero Chicago flirtation and other issues Read More »

A photo of Pastor Vernon Jones, Jr. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

Podcast episode 30: Pastor Vernon Jones Jr. on the implications of Tuesday’s Denver school board election

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Vernon Jones Jr. joins us to dissect the election and discuss its implications for the future of Denver Public Schools. Jones is a former board candidate and executive director of FaithBridge, a Denver-based nonprofit focused on mobilizing faith communities to support schools and promote educational equity for children throughout Colorado.

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A photo of Anna Jo Garcia Haynes and former Lieutenant Governor Barbara O'Brien.

Podcast episode 29: Former DPS board member, Lt. Governor Barbara O’Brien on the past, present, and future of the school district

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Former Colorado Lieutenant Governor Barbara O’Brien served on the Denver Public Schools board during the period when it shifted from a more reform-oriented majority to the more DCTA-friendly majority. She was the lone dissenting vote in 2020 against the hiring of Alex Marrero as superintendent. She was also on the board as the current form of policy governance was implemented, and during the censure of board member Auon’tai Anderson. Her valuable perspective on current DPS events is timely, given the potentially pivotal election taking place next Tuesday, Nov. 4

Podcast episode 29: Former DPS board member, Lt. Governor Barbara O’Brien on the past, present, and future of the school district Read More »

Jimmy Sengenberger's headshot.

Podcast episode 28: Investigative columnist Jimmy Sengenberger on the Youngquist investigation, its motivations and implications

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Denver Gazette investigative columnist Jimmy Sengenberger has some of the deepest sourcing on the Denver Public Schools beat, and has broken a number of important stories. When the so-called investigation report into DPS board member John Youngquist’s alleged racial insensitivity was released or leaked Monday night, Sengenberger came to mind as a good person to have on to discuss the report and its weaknesses, and its implications for the board and the district. It’s a lively discussion.

Podcast episode 28: Investigative columnist Jimmy Sengenberger on the Youngquist investigation, its motivations and implications Read More »

John Youngquist's headshot.

The star chamber investigation of John Youngquist is a travesty

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This is a perfect example of what is known as a star chamber investigation. A star chamber investigation” refers to an inquiry or legal proceeding that is seen as arbitrary, secretive, and grossly unfair—often conducted without transparency, due process, or the right for those accused to defend themselves. The term is used pejoratively to criticize procedures that lack openness and seem designed to persecute rather than fairly adjudicate.

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Theresa Peña's headshot.

Podcast episode 27: Former DPS board member Theresa Peña on the election, the current board and administration, and the state of the district

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We invited former Denver Public Schools board president Theresa Peña on the podcast to discuss the upcoming election, the state of DPS, current and past boards, and the current administration, because she unflinchingly expresses well-informed opinions, and has the credentials to back those opinions up with deep knowledge and relevant data.

Podcast episode 27: Former DPS board member Theresa Peña on the election, the current board and administration, and the state of the district Read More »

Scott Esserman and Michelle Quattlebaum's headshots.

The two candidates who showed up for Black students

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Last week, the local alumna chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and the Epitome of Black Excellence and Leadership hosted two forums for school-board candidates running at-large in Denver and in its northeast and central regions. Only two of the 10 eligible candidates showed up: Scott Esserman and Michelle Quattlebaum, incumbents with actual track records to dissect (and dissected, they were.).

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